Page 81 of Riptide

“Or they took it,” he replied. “Doesn’t matter. I’m going after her.”

Seth ran to the helicopter and retrieved his gun and two loaded cartridges. He looked up to Evan. “I’m sorry about Marcus. I know he was your friend.”

“He was a good agent.” Evan’s stern expression didn’t reveal emotion. “You’ve got to go get Kaimana.”

“They took her through the woods. There’re tracks all over the road.” Seth pointed.

Evan looked up from his phone. “I’ve got her cell pinged. It’s about halfway between here and the house.”

“You tracked her?” Seth asked, wondering how Evan had located the burner phone. Evan’s a spy.

“I track everyone I care about,” he replied without explanation.

“You think you can coach Garrett through flying this bird? His skills might be rusty, but he’s all you got.”

“I can’t walk too well right now, but I can fly this thing. Garrett can copilot.”

“But your finger…” Seth shook his head. Under any other circumstances, he’d insist Garrett pilot the helicopter, but he knew better to argue with Evan. “If you think you can do it, go for it. I’ve got to go.”

“Don’t use up any more lives, man.” Evan nodded. “Go get our girl.”

“You fucking know it.” Seth took off running into the woods.

* * *

By the dim light of the moon, Seth made his way down the path. If what Evan said about the cameras was true, he reasoned they’d seen him land the helicopter. In an effort to avoid the spying eyes, he darted off the path. Seth moved toward the sound of muffled voices, navigating quietly through the darkness.

He traversed the terrain at a slow deliberate pace, careful not to make noise. From the distance, he spied two guards at the front door along with two in the back. He hoped Evan had thought to contact the FBI, let them know about Marcus, and more importantly that he was on the ground, about to join an active operation.

He didn’t look at all like the agents or the criminals they were about to bust. Unlike the goons, dressed in imported suits, Seth wore a black t-shirt and sweatpants along with some wicked cool kicks he’d bought in Waikiki…now covered in dirt.

He looked at his watch and tapped at its face, texting Evan.

I’m at the house. 2 in front, 2 in back

Do you see Kaimana?

Evan texted back immediately.

Kaimana’s in root cellar. FBI has eyes on you. 4 min

Seth tapped a message back to Evan.

I’m on the move

Seth wove through the forest with a stealthy agility. He racked his memory, hoping he’d headed in the right direction, toward the root cellar. Voices grew louder and he crouched behind a tree, his head swiveling to make sure no one followed him.

As he peered back to the source of the voices, he heard Kaimana. Out of the darkness a bright light shone as a door swung open.

“Let me go,” Kaimana screamed. She struggled to break free but couldn’t.

Seth looked to the text running across his watch.

Hold tight 1 minute

“This one has spirit,” one of the men told the other.

“Dom’s got a special client who’s gonna pay a good price for this one. He’s got a kink for breaking bitches like her,” the other told her.